In the future, every appliance you own will come with the capability to connect to the Internet. But for now, you can smarten your home with the Quirky Spotter.

The Spotter is small white hockey puck-shaped device equipped with sensors that allow it to hear audio, sense motion and notice changes in light, temperature and humidity. It works by connecting to users’ home Wi-Fi networks and syncing with a companion app, called Wink, on their smartphone.

Setting up the device takes about five minutes, counting the time needed to download the app and syncing it with the Spotter. Once users have paired their phone with the Spotter, they can use the app to program different kinds of “triggers” that the device will look for.

I tested the gadget by placing it on my door and programming it to notify me anytime it sensed motion. This essentially turned the Spotter and the Wink app into a very basic security system for my apartment that alerted me with a smartphone notification whenever someone entered or exited through my door. Though I didn’t hear him come in, the Spotter notified me the second my roommate got home.

The Spotter has no defined purpose. It can be used in whatever way its owner can think of.

I asked Quirky, the maker of the gadget, for a few ideas. The company said the device can be used as a child monitor with its audio sensing capabilities. It can be used to detect whenever a washer or dryer has finished its load when the Spotter is programmed to send alerts if it senses that motion has stopped. The device could also be placed in a dark space, such as a mailbox or a safe, and send alerts whenever it detects light, which would occur when the space is opened.

In my trial with the Spotter, I found the audio sensor to work fine, although it was quite sensitive. The temperature sensor also worked well, notifying me when it dropped below 70 degrees in my dining area.

Overall, I thought the Spotter performed admirably, especially since it costs just $49.99. But at that price, users are getting the most simple kind of multi-sensor that is available, so it’s not perfect.

Security researchers have discovered a Wi-Fi network vulnerability that could allow attackers to steal sensitive information or spread malicious software while someone is logged into a computer or mobile device.